Overview & Reviews

GMC is a division of General Motors that focuses on producing SUVs, trucks and vans. Though GMC's vehicles are mechanically similar to related Chevrolet products, they are typically differentiated by unique features, trim levels and minor styling tweaks. The automaker's full-size pickups and SUVs are the most compelling offerings in its lineup; in many cases, its products in these categories are class-leading.

The marque's roots lie in the Rapid Motor Vehicle Company, a truck manufacturer that was founded by Max Grabowski in 1902. The outfit was purchased by General Motors in 1909 with the intention of having it serve as a division dedicated to building tough and capable trucks. The brand came to be known as GMC Truck; early models include the T16 and T20. Most of the manufacturer's trucks were very utilitarian in nature and functioned as dump trucks, fire trucks and military vehicles. GMC Truck's 3/4-ton Model 16 saw duty in World War I, serving mostly as a battlefield ambulance.

Sales continued to climb in the 1920s. After switching to a six-cylinder Buick-built motor, GMC Truck's 1- and 2-ton trucks earned the distinction of being the fastest in their classes. By the '30s, the line had grown to include everything from half-ton pickups to 10-ton trucks and buses. New models included the popular 1936 Suburban, which was essentially a truck-based station wagon that paired a truck's utility with a car's creature comforts.

World War II was a time of expansion for GMC Truck, thanks to its acquisition of Yellow Truck & Coach. Once again, the automaker's vehicles were tapped for wartime duty. New models like the Jimmy and the DUKW (nicknamed the Duck) were widely used by American troops.

Postwar, GMC Truck models became more consumer-oriented, and many were revamped to offer styling that more closely resembled passenger cars. The 1950s and '60s witnessed an upswing in sales, thanks to the popularity of recreational vehicles like GMC-based motor homes and pickup campers. The Jimmy name was revived and assigned to the brand's first ever sport-utility vehicle in 1970. That decade and the next saw a continued rise in the brand's popularity. The early '90s saw the brief appearance of the Syclone and Typhoon. The former was a small street pickup that burned up the asphalt with its turbocharged V6 and all-wheel drive. The latter was essentially a two-door SUV based on the same platform. Either one of these oddball speedsters could rip through a quarter-mile in around 14 seconds flat, making them among the quickest vehicles ever offered by General Motors. Also, by this time, GMC Truck had trimmed its moniker; the brand is now known simply as GMC.

In the past few decades, GM has consolidated its products and GMC's trucks have become less individualistic as a result. Today, most of GMC's vehicles are virtually identical to those sold by Chevrolet. The main differences lie in minor features and design tweaks that give GMC's offerings a more upscale image.

User Reviews:

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  WAS FORD DRIVER FOR 15 YEARS - 2003 GMC Sierra 1500
  By RAD1959 - January 6 - 10:00 am

  I have been a loyal Ford man for 15 years. I shopped around this time, great incentives abound. The Sierra was so damn solid and quite, I could stop thinking about it. Fords windnoise was the convincer. GMC is a great drive, quiet truck, super performer and looks great too. Sign me, A Ford Use To Be.......

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  gmc rocks - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By denys - January 6 - 10:00 am

  very nice suv, easy to handle, fun to drive, very soft, as economy--just like any other suv--could be better, but for its size i guess it is okay. power windows and power locks are standart, keyless entry is too, spacious trunk, nice interior design, especially if you can get it in leather

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  Safari Vans vs. the minivan market - 1998 GMC Safari
  By rufrider - January 6 - 2:00 am

  We have had few problems with this van, and it is our second of this style. We have also owned a Toyota minivan, a Chevy Regency,and SUVs. The interior room is its greatest advantage. In comparison with the other minivans on the market, it has more leg and head room. The large area behind the rear seat holds suitcases and ice chests enough for a family for a 2 week vacation (keeping these things out of the seating area). We had this advantage with a full size van but had to deal with difficulty parking in small spaces, and gas mileage.For the most efficiency for the greatest amount of space, well choose Safari again.

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  Tell me its not so! - 1996 GMC Sonoma
  By Showtime - January 5 - 2:00 am

  Ive had this truck for 2 years, and for the most part it had run good. But over time, as the miles add up (118,000 now) the performance just craps out. In its prime, the truck was very very quick, and ive beaten all kinds of cars and trucks with the peppy 4.3 V6. But the transmission is dying, the A/C was dying at the end of summer, the interior has been falling apart, the truck has become a complete dissapointment.

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  big mistake - 1999 GMC Jimmy
  By eggplante - January 5 - 2:00 am

  gas hog, rough ride, cant fit anything in it. lost value quickly. not a good buy for us!

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  Still going...... - 1993 GMC Sonoma
  By tmjones_21 - January 3 - 2:00 am

  Bought the truck after I graduated high school to commute to college. Still runs like it did when I first bought it. No major problems yet other than new water pump last year at 95K miles. Get about 24-26 mpg on highway if I dont go over 72 mph. Excellent truck to have if you dont need a big gas guzzling 4x4 full size truck (which most people dont, especially in the city)

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  Excellent American offering! - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By wilbret - January 2 - 7:20 pm

  The Acadia has a few strong selling points: -Quiet ride. As good as most luxury cars. -Space galore. Easy access to third row, easy to fold seats down. Just plain roomy. -Comfortable seating. Long periods in the car are pleasant. -Sound system is decent, with mp3 input on the dash. -Great looking vehicle! However, there are some kinks. -Transmission is sluggish. -Chrome interior trim reflects light into your eyes. -Height of rear window is hard for my wife to see out. -There needs to be open storage in the console, for pens, change, etc. Cup holders get used for this, and then you have no cup holders left.

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  Good truck - 1995 GMC Yukon
  By brockketcher - January 1 - 2:00 am

  I bought my yukon with 50,000 miles. It has a diesel engine. I now have 150,000 + miles, with exception of about $3000 in up keep (seals, idler arms, etc...) I have not had many problems.

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  Go get it - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By Envoyer - December 30 - 10:00 am

  I love it. I have had no problems with this truck. I would recommend it to all. I love driving it. It is comfortable, easy to drive, I love the way it looks, I love the inside look.

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  Like My Jimmy - 1998 GMC Jimmy
  By ljmoore - December 30 - 2:00 am

  I have had for 1 year now. I have yet to see a problem. Has 89K. Still runs without a problem.